We're excited to welcome Chloé as the newest Systemic Design Analyst at Snowmelt. Chloé joins us from France as a recent graduate from Strate Paris, majoring in Industrial Design with a focus on Interaction and systemic design. We've asked her after a month at Snowmelt:

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Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

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I am a French designer, though I was originally destined for hard sciences. I liked them for their puzzle-like nature and the opportunity to learn about the world. But, as much as I loved the logic and the precision, I found myself missing the human dynamics and their unpredictability.

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This led me to Industrial Design. Looking for a broader range of projects and problematics, I gradually moved towards Interaction Design, then Strategic Design, and found Systemic Design. 

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I went to AHO - the School of Architecture and Design of Oslo  - to study it, and work on a project with the city of Hemsedal regarding their democratic situation. After that, I brought this newfound passion back to France and wove it into my practice.

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One of the projects that stands out in my mind is my work on waste management and valorization at Rungis, Europe's largest fresh produce whole-sales market. 

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Another significant project was my master's thesis on the implementation of AI in work processes. I looked into the impact of AI on employees and the crucial, but currently nonexistent, role of HR in relation to tech teams in AI projects.

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My journey has taken me through various sectors—public services, medical organisations, sports equipment manufacturers, and non-profits. And through it all, I've had the incredible opportunity to study and work in diverse cultural settings, from France to Norway and now Australia.

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How did you end up here?

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After my studies, I meant to look for a job that would allow me to continue on my path with systemic design for real-world impact. But I found myself increasingly concerned that I might remain stuck in the realm of pure academia, without seeing the practical applications of my work if I didn’t take a step back from systemic design.

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I stumbled upon Snowmelt through the RSD13 Symposium. When I saw the opening for a systemic designer, I seized the opportunity, even though moving to Australia was not initially part of my plans. A trip to the Netherlands, a few video calls, and some paperwork later, I found myself in Sydney.

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At Snowmelt, I see an opportunity to continue my journey, to apply my skills and experiences in a way that not only advances our understanding of complex systems but also translates that understanding into actionable solutions.

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What excites you most about joining Snowmelt?

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What excites me most about joining Snowmelt is the opportunity to work across diverse big-picture projects, especially with purpose-driven organisations tackling complex challenges. I am also drawn to the team's approach—leaning into the messiness of systems, uncovering opportunities, and driving sustainable impact. Being surrounded by such an experienced team whose ethos aligns with mine is an invaluable opportunity at this stage in my career. It’s a team I can see myself learning from and growing with for a long time.

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You’ve been with us a month, what have you noticed already?

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What stands out to me is the approach to building trusting relationships with clients. It's not just about reporting some learnings; it's about partnering with them to plan the best use and share of the newly gained insights. This ensures that the work we do is not only insightful but also actionable and tailored to the unique needs of each client. This approach fosters a sense of partnership and mutual growth, making the journey towards solutions a collective effort.

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How does systemic design fit, and how does it shape the way you see challenges and opportunities?

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Systemic design, for me, is about navigating the intricate web of complex contexts, where challenges are without clear problem owners. It's particularly suited for addressing issues that involve a diversity of viewpoints and stakeholders, where the problems are not isolated but interconnected and spread throughout the system.

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In these scenarios, pointing fingers or proposing one-size-fits-all solutions is not effective. Instead, systemic design allows us to engage in a form of acupuncture, working in rhythm with the system to facilitate its metamorphosis. It's about understanding the nuances and the interconnectedness of the various elements within the system.

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Systemic design often involves navigating complexity and uncertainty. How do you approach working in spaces where there are no clear answers?

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Complexity is not just a challenge; it's an invitation to embrace the unknown and the messiness of each new case. This perspective allows us to ask those so-called "dumb" questions, often uncovering new perspectives and opportunities hidden in plain sight.

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We use maps and visualisations to untangle parts of the mess, yet, a significant part of our journey is understanding that we can't—and shouldn't—grasp everything. There's a certain thrill in getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, and in letting go of the parts that remain mysterious.

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It's a bit scary, but it's also what makes this job so much more passionate for me.

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Learn more

Read Chloé's bio, or contact Chloé through our webform to learn more.

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Snowmelt welcomes Chloé to the team. We look forward to the new perspective and expertise she'll bring to our mission and partners.

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